1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV Group A review and pictures

The 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV Group A is the result of four years of Lancer development, neccessary for Mitsubishi to stay ahead of the competition. The Evolution IV made its premiere at the 1997 Monte Carlo where more flexible regulations permitted Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza and Ford Escort to enter the championship. These new WRC regulations allowed the modification of the suspension, tranmission, intake tract, exhaust and engine position. Adding an INVECS sequential gearbox and relocating the engine in order to obtain a better weight ballence, Mitsubishi embraced these new rules. Taking the WRC Drivers Chmapionship for the second time in a row, Tommi Makinen proved his value to Mitsubishi in 1997.

Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution IV reflected four years of Lancer devleopment. Lessons learned in each year of racing were adopted into newer versions. This rapid development was neccessary for Mitsubishi to stay ahead of the competition.

At the 1997 Monte Carlo the Evolution IV made its debut. New, more flexible regulations allowed competition such as Ford Escort, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla to enter the championship. These new WRC regulations were introduced by the FIA. They permitted modification of the suspension, tranmission, intake tract, exhaust and engine position. Mitsubishi embraced these new rules by adding an INVECS sequential gearbox and relocating the engine for better weight ballence.

In 1997 Tommi Makinen again proved his value to Mitsubishi. He took the WRC Drivers Championship for the second time in a row with Misubishi taking 3rd in the WRC Manufacturers Championship.